Quick Answer: No, Nesquik does not need to be refrigerated. It should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from light, moisture, and heat sources. Refrigeration can lead to crystallization, affecting its quality.
Oh, the nostalgia of chocolate milk. Mornings out with the family at the local breakfast joint. Chocolate milk – always on order for the kids. As a kid, our favorite breakfast restaurant always served Nesquik chocolate milk.
I used to love this drink. Apparently others do, too. People across the globe enjoy Nesquik today!
Nesquik gained popularity after hitting the U.S. market in 1948. That’s over 75 years of this drink! This popular mix, developed by Nestle, was first named “Nestle Quik”. Soon after, the company changed the name to Nesquik. Much more catchy!
In the mid-1950’s, Nesquik reached Europe. In 1957, it continued its journey to the United Kingdom. Today, Nesquik syrup comes in chocolate and strawberry flavors. It retails in over 100 countries worldwide.
So, Does Nesquik Need to be Refrigerated? Or should you just keep it on the shelf?
With so many voices on the web, it can be tough to decide what storage method to use. In this article, we’ll explore the topic of Nesquik storage. We have researched Nesquik thoroughly so that you can skip the deep dive.
Lucky for you, there is a clear cut answer on how to store your Nesquik drink mix and we have it here. Let’s dig in!

Does Nesquik Need to be Refrigerated?
The omission of this ingredient gives Nesquik syrup a very simple storage method. That is: Keep it out of the fridge!
Nesquik is different from other chocolate and strawberry milk mixes. It has no high-glucose corn syrup, making it a much healthier option than its competitors. You and your kids can enjoy this drink mix guilt free.
You should always store your Nesquik syrup at room temperature. The pantry is its home, even after you open the bottle!
Why, you might ask? Well, it’s all about maintaining the integrity and quality of the syrup. Nesquik is prone to crystallization when stored under cool temperatures. Crystallization makes the product tough to use, so let’s avoid it!
Rather than using high fructose corn syrup as a sweetening agent, Nestle sweetens this drink mix with regular sugar. Sugar crystallizes in cool temperatures. In turn, the sugar crystallization makes the syrup tough to pour and difficult to mix.
So, to keep your Nesquik in the best condition, store it on the shelf!
Should I Refrigerate Powdered Nesquik?
Nesquik is not just a delicious, chocolatey syrup! We already discussed the various Nesquik syrup flavors: chocolate and strawberry. But, did you know there are even more ways to enjoy Nesquik?
Nestle also makes Nesquik powder which you can use as an alternative to the Nesquik syrup. This powder comes in a variety of flavors including hot fudge sundae, chocolate and strawberry.
If you are watching your sugar intake, the chocolate powder comes in a sugar free version! The sugar free variety can be a great addition to your health journey. Sugar free and flavor packed!
The Nesquik powder that you know and love should be stored somewhere cool and dry. Just like with the syrup, you will want to skip the refrigerator. Instead, think about storing it in a pantry or cupboard.
When deciding on a storage method, think:
- Cool
- Dry
- Tightly sealed
Avoiding light, moisture and heat sources around your kitchen will help keep your Nesquik powder in tip-top condition. Moisture wreaks havoc on Nesquik powder!
The lid on your Nesquik powder seals with this in mind. Make sure that lid is on tight! If it’s not, or if it develops any cracks, you will want to move your Nesquik powder to a tightly sealing container. Alternatively, a sealed storage bag could work as well.
Keeping your Nesquik powder away from moisture will prevent clumping. Nobody wants clumped drink mix powder! It’s tough to mix into your milk when it’s clumped.
If it’s well-sealed, cool and dry, your Nesquik powder will maintain its flavor and texture.
Does Nesquik Ready-to-Drink need refrigeration?
Yet another way to enjoy Nesquik! The possibilities are endless! Nesquik Ready-to-Drink makes it easy to enjoy these tasty drinks on the go.
Regular flavors include:
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Fudge Brownie
- Banana Strawberry
There is even a protein packed version of the Ready-to-Drink bottle. Nesquik Protein Power packs 23 grams of protein in a grab-and-go bottle.
Protein Power flavor options include:
- Strawberry
- Chocolate
But, do you need to refrigerate Nesquik Ready-to-Drink?
You guessed it – they are shelf-stable before opening! Nesquik hit the nail on the head with yet another convenient product. Plus, they’re tasty too!
Throw Nesquik Ready-to-Drink in your gym bag or grab one for your commute to work. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer the original or Protein Power. Both offer a great option on the run.
While these products are shelf-stable before opening, they require refrigeration after opening.
You’ll likely finish that bottle because Nesquik Read-to-Drink is so delicious! We agree. But, if you don’t finish the bottle, then twist that cap closed and put it in the fridge for later.

The Final Scoop: Nesquik Refrigerator or Pantry?
Nesquik. Delicious. Nostalgic. Fun. We love this flavor mix as much as you do! Mix it up in milk or milk alternatives. Use it in your baking to create tasty snacks. Warm up with Nesquik hot chocolate. These products are so versatile.
Another plus about Nesquik: it is so easy to store!
- Nesquik products are all shelf-stable. It is actually recommended that you store them in your pantry or cupboard. Do not Refrigerate Nesquik
- Remember: cool, dry and dark. Seal the container up well. This way, your Nesquik products will remain in great quality!
There is a single exception to the rule. Once opened, you must refrigerate your Nesquik Ready-to-Drink bottles! Other than that, your Nesquik products do not require refrigeration.
Tell us how you enjoy this delicious drink mix. Have you tried Nesquik in recipes? Or do you mix it in your milk? Hot or cold – how is it best enjoyed?
We hope this article has been helpful and insightful. If you have any questions or comments, we would love to hear from you!